Determination of methylparaben and propylparaben in cosmetic products using HPLC

This study presents the method performance verification and application of а HPLC method for determination of methylparaben (MP) and propylparaben (PP) in cosmetic products. The selected parabens were separated on a Lichrospher 100 RP 18 chromatographic column (250 x 4.6 mm I.D.; particle size of 5 μm), in an isocratic mode with a mobile phase consisting of methanol: THF:ACN:water (10:5:25:60, %, v/v). The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, and the injection volume was 10 μL. All analyses were performed at room temperature and the compounds of interest were monitored at 280 nm. The levels of MP and the levels of PP in 16 analyzed products ranged from 0.06 – 0.42% (w/w) and from 0.1 – 0.26% (w/w), respectively. Highest levels were found in skin and hair care products followed by products intended for facial care. Four investigated products contained both MP as well as PP. The MP and PP levels determined in the examined products were all in agreement with requirements of the European Union Cosmetic Directive (EU Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC).